Otto's Oasis' showcase of poinsettias is underway at the greenhouse in Charles City. Owner Jeff Otto said his business planted about 1,700 of the Christmas flowers in July. Press photo by Kelly Terpstra

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

He’s making a list. He’s checking it twice. He’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice.

Santa Claus arrived in Charles City on Saturday so boys and girls could tell the jolly old man in red from the North Pole what they want for Christmas.

It was the first appearance of the year for kids to see Santa Claus, who was greeting children at Otto’s Oasis during the greenhouse’s showcase of poinsettias.

Otto’s Oasis owner Jeff Otto said Santa Claus has been appearing every year at the greenhouse since February 2007.

“It showcases all of our homegrown poinsettias. We start them in July and grow them all the way through. Not many people do that anymore,” said Otto, who added they started with 1,700 of the popular Christmas plants.

The Festival of Trees is also running at Otto’s Oasis. Thirteen Christmas trees are on display near the front entrance of the greenhouse. Those trees represent 13 different community organizations and people can vote for their favorite tree by placing a donation in the bucket next to the brightly colored and festive holiday decoration.

Otto’s Oasis will offer up another opportunity to see Santa when Santa PAWS runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. Animal lovers can bring their pets to get their picture taken with Santa during that time. Freewill donations are accepted and all proceeds go toward the PAWS Humane Society animal shelter.

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com
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Charles City Fiber initial logo option one. Charles City Telecommunications Board members liked this design best, but wanted the inner backwards "C" in blue and wanted to see different font options for the words. (Monkeythis graphic)